For the last nine years I’ve worked from home as an editor and proofreader with my own business. I’ve also been writing, publishing my first novel in 2022 and working on my second.

What some of you may not know is that before this, I was a professional fundraiser and worked in the NFP sector for 15+ years. Even after launching my business I have been contracting part-time to various charities, assisting them with their fundraising strategies and developing my skills as a grant writing specialist.

For a while now I’ve needed a change in my working life. Over the last three years I’ve gone through some massive personal upheaval. My keywords going forward are connection and community. It’s time to get out from behind my desk in my home office and seek new ways to be more present with my fellow humans. I want to look outwards and give my time and skills to causes that matter to me.

So I’ve accepted the position of Donor Development Executive at Auckland Museum, working closely with the museum’s supporters and helping move this incredible guardian of our taonga (treasures) towards its centenary celebrations in 2029.

It’s a big job, and a challenge. But it’s where I want to be.

What does this mean for my editing business? I’ll be taking a break for a while. However, I’ll still be available to my valued repeat clients if they ever need me.

As for my second novel – I don’t know. But for now, days spent alone on my computer are not what I need.

Museums inspire, educate, innovate, and bring us together, and are hubs for innovation and interaction. I also consider them guardians of our most important stories. As Amy Hawkins puts it:

‘Museums are the guardians of our collective memory, the storytellers of human achievement, and the catalysts for future innovation. Their importance lies not just in preserving the past, but in shaping our understanding of the present and inspiring the possibilities of tomorrow.’

Thank you, Auckland Museum. Can’t wait to join you in February.